SATURDAY, Sept. 11, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- It may be fun to head out on weekends and play a game of impromptu football, but safety shouldn't be taken lightly.
Whether you are playing tackle or touch football, there are host of risks and injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For starters, you should always play on grass, rather than pavement or gravel. Players should also be the same size and age, the CDC advises.
Safety is essential, because 450,000 youth players every year are treated for football-related injuries, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The most common injuries are sprained ligaments and strained muscles. Younger players are more often injured in the hands, arms and shoulders, while older players are more commonly injured in the legs and knees, according to the CDC.
Even though weekend football matches are informal, players should wear helmets and shoulder pads, which are essential to avoid disabling injuries. Helmets help prevent one significant risk: concussions, which can be severely debilitating and even fatal.
Instead of tackle football, the CDC recommends people play touch or flag football, which is safer. Still, players need to wear durable shoes with traction, since many injuries result from poor footing.
As with all sports, the CDC suggests weekend football players stretch before and after playing to avoid injuries. Players should also have first-aid equipment available at all times.
More information
Here are some tips for you weekend warriors from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
